May 13, 2021 – Mike Sarasti, chief information officer for the City of Miami Department of Information Technology, and Oscar Alvarez, vice president business relationship manager at TD Bank have joined the Alzheimer’s Association as the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s event chair in Miami.
 
 
Mike Sarasti
 
 
Oscar Alvarez
 
Alvarez, referencing the symbolic white “promise flower” displayed at Walk to End Alzheimer’s to represent the first survivor of Alzheimer’s disease, shared: “I walk so that one day the white flower becomes a reality instead of a dream. I have had family and friends suffer and die from this awful disease and I will not stop until a cure is found.”]
 
Likewise, for Sarasti, the decision to participate in Walk to End Alzheimer’s was one based on personal experience with the disease.
 
“I walk to honor my mother Ana, an incredible force of joy, service and strength,” Sarasti said. “The Alzheimer’s Association helped me find answers and community through incredibly difficult times. Today, I’m excited to create awareness, support a cure and share the Association’s incredible resources with so many others in need.”
 
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
 
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. The Association is moving forward with plans to host the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in person this fall. 
 
“The health and safety of participants, volunteers and staff remain our top priorities as we continue to monitor the pandemic and make decisions about event details in our community,” said Monique Stephens, director of the Miami-Dade Walk to End Alzheimer’s. “While we’re planning to gather in person, we will continue to offer options to participate in Walk online and in your neighborhood. 
 
“Families facing Alzheimer’s and all other dementia need us now more than ever – and with your support, we can continue to be there for them,” Stephens added. “Every dollar you raise through Walk to End Alzheimer’s allows the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research.”
 
The Miami-Dade Walk to End Alzheimer’s is set for Saturday, Nov. 20. For general information about Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk. 
 
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s. 
 
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.
 
 
 


May 17, 2021) – Aleksander Barkov will do more than just ‘light the lamp’ with each NHL goal he scores this season, he’s also helping kids being treated at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (JDCH). The Florida Panthers captain will donate $1,600 for each goal he scores and $800 for each he assists on to the children’s hospital’s nonprofit foundation and recently announced the philanthropic campaign will continue throughout postseason play. Barkov also provides a suite for games at the BB&T Center for use by those connected to the pediatric facility.  
 
After scoring 27 goals and assisting on 33 during the regular season and first game of the playoffs, Barkov’s current contribution is $69,600.  
 
“I am happy to continue my support of JDCH during the 2020-21 NHL season,” said Barkov, affectionately called “Sasha” by family and friends. “Knowing I can bring a smile to the kids, families, and the hospital staff is personally satisfying and I’m looking forward to visiting the children’s hospital again sometime soon.”
 
Barkov has previously made several trips to tour the expanding pediatric facility and meet with children, parents, caregivers, and administrators. With each visit, he brings gifts, signs autographs, and poses for photos. 
 
“Sasha has been a great ambassador for ‘Joe D.’ and a credit to the South Florida community,” said Kevin Janser, senior vice president and chief development officer for Memorial Healthcare System. “He has selflessly shared his time and brought joy to those impacted by illness. We’re proud to have him on our team and wish all the Panthers the best of luck in the playoffs.” 
 
Updates on the alliance between the hockey star and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will be chronicled throughout the season on the foundation’s social media sites on Facebook (@jdchfoundation) and Instagram (@jdch_foundation). Fans can also search #BarkovScores4JoeD.
 
Barkov, the son of Russian parents who grew up in Finland, won the 2018-19 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually to the NHL player that combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and a high standard of playing ability. A Boca Raton resident, Barkov was the second overall pick in the 2013 draft and has played his entire NHL career for the Panthers.  
 
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A level one trauma center, it combines advanced technology, the expertise of board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered approach to heal the body, mind, and spirit of those it touches. 
 
The hospital’s nonprofit foundation focuses on philanthropy to positively impact patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission.  
 
To learn more about Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and  Instagram.   
 




May 17, 2021 – Representatives of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and its nonprofit foundation recently accepted a check for $5,000 from National Junior Honor Society students at Falcon Cove Middle School in Weston. 
 
Students raised the money during a two-week period by creating websites, videos, social media posts, and selling Domino’s Pizza coupon cards. The fundraising was accomplished during a time students were going to school remotely due to COVID-19 and had almost no face-to-face contact with fellow students and faculty advisors.      
 
“Students used all their talent and creativity because they felt like this was the year to take care of their children’s hospital,” said Caitlin Stella, CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. 
 
 
The check presentation was the centerpiece of a program that was attended by students, staff, community leaders, parents, and representatives of the children’s hospital. The school’s jazz band performed, cheerleaders welcomed guests who entered on a red carpet, and balloons and signage recognized the partnership between Falcon Cove and ‘Joe D.’ 
 
In addition to the $5,000 donation, students raised additional money to provide catered lunches to neonatal intensive care and COVID-19 medical teams at the pediatric facility to support those who care for the sickest kids. “They (students) were driven, inspired, and motivated to do something right for the healthcare workers and they did it selflessly,” said Stella Stringer, a Falcon Cove Middle School teacher and National Junior Honor Society advisor. 
 
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (www.jdch.com) is one of the nation’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. A level one trauma center, it combines advanced technology, the expertise of board-certified specialists, and a patient and family-centered approach to heal the body, mind, and spirit of those it touches. 
 
The hospital’s nonprofit foundation focuses on philanthropy to positively impact patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission.  
 
To learn more about Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, visit jdch.com and connect with @jdchospital on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.   
 


May 13, 2021 – FastLabs, a leading rapid medical testing company, is now offering patients a site in west Miami-Dade at Dolphin Mall, located at 11401 NW 12 Street in Sweetwater. This is the second combined location with giant REEF Technology to expand the accessibility of rapid COVID-19 testing. The Dolphin Mall location will offer fast PCR tests, rapid antigen tests, rapid antibody tests, and a complete flu panel that examines over 19 common respiratory pathogens with results in minutes.
 
“We are very pleased to be adding this new strategic location,” said Dr. Raul Cruz, Chief Medical Officer at FastLabs. “Dolphin Mall is not only geographically well-positioned to offer a host of shopping and entertainment venues, but also provides a convenience factor for those needing or wanting to obtain fast results in minutes for a variety of tests. This includes those who are already vaccinated for COVID-19 and who want to confirm the presence of key antibodies.” All FastLabs’ tests are FDA authorized. 
 
Recently, FastLabs released its latest longitudinal case study which found that COVID-19 patients who had experienced a loss of taste or smell had lesser, but more sustained, antibody levels compared to those who did not. Researchers analyzed and measured two specific antibodies—IgG and IgM, specialized defenses to foreign pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. 
 
FastLabs is also committed to its gathering of data to better understand the patterns and behaviors of COVID-19 and the vaccines, and will continue its research at all its locations. 
 
To make an appointment for testing at any FastLabs location or to find out pricing options, visit FastLabsMed.com. In addition, those interested in taking part in any current studies can make an appointment at their nearest FastLabs location.
 
About FastLabs
FastLabs is a leading medical diagnostics company that provides rapid and accurate laboratory and medical testing for easy, safe, and quick lab results. Currently focused on COVID-19 testing and other viruses, FastLabs provides express results for those who need fast PCR and rapid testing from the convenience of their vehicles, businesses, or homes. With results in minutes, accessibility to fast, reliable, and advanced technologies for accurate viral detection is FastLabs’ strong point in the effort to help expedite diagnosis, treatment and mitigate the spread of disease.  For more information visit www.fastlabsmed.com.